The UN Secretary-General stressed the global body’s support for the partnership in his speech at the China-Africa Cooperation Summit.
Leaders from about 50 African countries are expected to attend the summit, which has been held every three years since 2000.
Debt hinders growth
Mr. Guterres noted that they gathered in China against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, violent conflicts and growing poverty.
He pointed to current challenges, including conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, as well as the worsening climate crisis, inequality and threats to global and African efforts to achieve sustainable development.
Meanwhile, many African countries are drowning in debt and struggling to invest in sustainable development, he said.
Reforming outdated systems
The UN Secretary-General has reiterated his calls for reform of “outdated, inefficient and unfair international financial architectures” and presented a stimulus plan for developing countries struggling to implement them. Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) become a reality.
Solutions include increasing the lending capacity of multilateral development banks and allowing them to significantly expand the supply of cheap finance for development.
He stressed that China and Africa’s support for these initiatives is crucial.
Progress of the common goal
“In this context, South-South cooperation is essential to build capacity and accelerate progress towards common development goals – without diminishing the responsibilities of the Global North“, he said.
Mr. Guterres described China’s partnership with the African continent as a pillar of South-South cooperation. This process refers to the exchange of technology and skills between countries in the Global South.
“Your joint efforts, based on United Nations Chartercould create new momentum for Africa’s development,” he said.
He recalled that China is now Africa’s oldest and largest trading partner.
“And we know that in Africa, as elsewhere,Investments will be game-changing when they respect national ownership and are financially sustainable, climate-sensitive and consistent with international human rights commitments.“ .
Partnership for transformation
Moreover, he continued: “China’s remarkable development record – including poverty alleviation – brings a wealth of experience and expertise.”
“China-Africa partnership could fuel renewable energy revolution“It could be a catalyst for important transformations in food systems and digital connectivity,” he said.
“And as home to some of the world’s most dynamic economies, Africa can maximize its potential for Chinese support in areas ranging from trade to data management, finance and technology.”
Meeting today’s challenges
Mr Guterres also used his speech to stress the need to “correct some historical injustices”.
For example, it is “absurd” that Africa does not have a permanent seat at the United Nations. Security Councilhe said
On this matter, female Summit of the Future at United Nations Headquarters later this month “will be a crucial opportunity for renewal and reform – based on solidarity and justice”.
The UN Secretary-General has proposed a focus on prevention and common approaches to new and emerging threats to global security, building on recent success in enabling UN-assessed contributions to African Union-led peace operations.
“We are pushing for reforms to international financial architecture and institutions that are relevant to the realities of today’s world and can respond to current challenges – especially those facing developing countries, particularly in Africa. “Your full participation will play a vital role in finding sustainable solutions,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the Secretary-General stressed “the United Nations’ full engagement in supporting a strong partnership between China and Africa, towards the common goal of peace, sustainable development and human rights on a healthy planet.”
